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Hyundai revealed a concept to be shown in Geneva representing the global debut for Hyundai Motor’s next-generation fuel cell powertrain

Hyundai Motor has unveiled the Intrado concept, representing the company’s vision of how cars will meet future mobility needs.

More than a styling exercise, Hyundai said the Intrado demonstrates the company’s belief that advanced vehicle technologies and intelligent design can combine to engage more effectively with driver and passengers.

Set to be revealed to the public at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, the Intrado concept has resulted from fresh consideration of what consumers will need and expect of their cars in the near future: cars that are easy to use, intuitive to interact with, and readily adaptable to the varying demands of their busy, active lifestyles, said Hyundai.

The Intrado is powered by a next-generation hydrogen fuel-cell powertrain that utilizes a Li-ion 36 kilowatt-hour battery. Refueled in just a few minutes, Hyundai said the Intrado has a range of up to 372.82 miles (600 kilometers) and emits only water. In addition to improved performance and increased range, Hyundai stated the Intrado promises more responsive and agile driving dynamics, thanks to the reduced weight and greater efficiency of its powertrain.

Hyundai added the Intrado takes its name from the underside of an aircraft’s wing – the area that creates lift. The car’s advanced materials and technologies also draw inspiration from aircraft, such as the removal of all unnecessary weight, logical solutions to complex challenges, inspired by a purity of purpose, and a highly efficient powertrain.

The exterior of the Intrado presents a progressive interpretation of Hyundai’s established fluidic sculpture form language explained the Korean company. The vehicle’s distinctive shape is dictated by the need to be aerodynamically efficient; it is free of unnecessary adornments and features minimal detailing. The body panels are said to be made of advanced super lightweight steel from Hyundai Motor’s steel plant.

Hyundai stated the super-lightweight structure of the Intrado demonstrates Hyundai’s desire to produce lighter, stronger cars that are even better to drive and simpler to repair. The central carbon frame structure is constructed using new, patent-pending manufacturing and joining techniques that together have the potential to change the way cars are made. The strength and rigidity of this central structure also allow body panels to be constructed from any material, giving designers greater flexibility and aiding future repairs. The company added lightweight steel impact structures further enhance crash performance and repair times.

The result of close collaboration between Hyundai Motor’s design and engineering teams, Hyundai said the Intrado was styled and engineered primarily at Hyundai Motor European R&D centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany – as indicated by its codename, HED-9 (Hyundai Europe Design).